Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 3:21:10 GMT -5
"That...seems rather excessive."
He had never heard of such a thing before, but then again, he was not a Scorpion. The Phoenix were a lot less brutal in their training methods than some of the things that he had heard from other clans. The worst thing that Yun had to deal with in his time there was disappointing his teachers and them assigning extra work. Or perhaps, it was the tedious papers on the nature of magic that he was forced to write.
"I never had any trouble during my training, fortunately. And the one time that my instructors would have had to impress something upon me that was this dire, I fled before they got the opportunity."
He was recalling the death of that Lion shugenja that had been given the opportunity to train with the Isawa. So haughty, and foolish was that Lion. So improper had Yun's response been, and so dire the consequences of listening to Kansen before you knew what they were.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 5, 2011 3:33:45 GMT -5
Nori smiled widely. "Well you were fortunate enough not to question the fundamental virtues of your clan. Needless to say we embrace them fully. Not that I find any sin in those that question beliefs and explore the facets of philosophy, but to question the very nature of loyalty is to betray it."
She continued to drink and pour her cup of tea, as well as refilling his as needed. It placed her in a slight subservient light, but she seemed to have no complaint on the matter.
Now her eyes wandered off to the windows again as the gentle sounds of the city started to pick up as the sun rose higher in the sky. "Another fine day though."
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 3:42:36 GMT -5
"I suppose so, Nori-san. I mean, my crime was murder, so maybe I was questioning one of the tenets of my former clan. I'm Phoenix born, if you did not already know. Isawa, actually."
He continued to drink the tea with her, enjoying the conversation and the tea at a leisurely pace. As she mentioned the outside atmosphere he moved another direction, yet again.
"Not to say that I'm not enjoying the company, Nori-san; but if you'd like to go do something you can. I mean, I don't think you need my permission. But if you'd like to go check up on Lady Haruka, or you'd like to go do something in the city, I have no intentions of leaving this place at all today unless Haruka-sama calls for me."
He paused for a moment, and then followed up with:
"Of course, you can stay if you wish, I just want to make sure you are aware of the option."
He smiled widely.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 5, 2011 3:50:16 GMT -5
Her eyes returned to him. "Oh I know exactly where Haruka-sama is, and that she is well taken care of for the time being. I've no desire to leave as my job is to escort you should the desire to explore or stretch your legs strike you.
I've been around every corner of this city, there is nothing about it that would surprise me. But I understand if your own limitations prevent you from making a public appearance.
Unfortunately unless Haruka-sama comes to us, I've been instructed not to go to her unless a threat emerges."
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 4:08:35 GMT -5
He shook his head and held his hands out in a placating manner.
"I didn't mean anything by it, Nori-san. I promise."
He moved from the lazy sitting position that he had been in to his knees, he leaned forward a bit and rested his arms on the table. He attempted to change the subject back to her, since she seemed to relax while talking about herself.
"Tell me, what school did you attend? If I can continue my line of questions.
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 5, 2011 4:17:47 GMT -5
She refilled his cup again, finding something to do every time she spoke it seemed.
"Well if we're going to play a game of questions, Zeure-san, I would prefer an exchange.
I was born and raised a Shosuro by my father, though our teaching methods are well guarded it's well known that a Shosuro must be well equipped to deal with every situation that might arise. Survival in every environment as you can imagine."
But to keep up with her own curiosity, she gently asked in return. It was simple, but to the point. She'd never met a peaceable maho-tsukai before.
"So then, how did you first come to learn Maho?"
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 4:30:24 GMT -5
"Ok then, we can play that game. As you may or may not know, all Maho is powered by blood and the Kansen. Kansen are analogous to the kami that power normal elemental spells except that they are attuned to Maho. The first time I used maho, was the day that I left Phoenix lands. The first maho spell I learned happened very close to that as the Kansen whispered in my ear the method."
Now -this- was intriguing, though he would rather play this game with Haruka, it would provide a decent distraction.
"Earlier you mentioned that you had questioned the fundamentals of loyalty. Elaborate. That's my question. Explain what led to that and what you said that made your father give you that scar."
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 5, 2011 4:44:01 GMT -5
Nori fiddled her her hands a moment, flexing them slightly. "I had worked for a long time to forget those words... But I must hold up my end of the exchange."
She gave a bit of a sigh as her head hung for a moment, clearly not proud of that moment in her life. "When the moment came where all must learn that sometimes our lives must be given, I turned to my father and asked 'What makes the Bayushi so much more worthy to live? Are we nothing but worthless guardians to be spent like other tools? Why must we be cast aside like broken blades.' But such faithlessness was quickly struck from me. I have since learned to be grateful for my place.
Haruka-sama does not see me as a tool, but an ally. And for that I'd give my life time and again if I needed to."
Her words finished, her gaze returned. "Now then, you say the Kansen contacted you directly, but you knew the danger you took on when you learned Maho... so what was so alluring to you that you succumbed to the temptation? Was it power or something else?"
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 4:51:10 GMT -5
"At the time, I was unaware that it was a Kansen powering that spell. Being hard pressed in Taryu-Jiai, you can lose track of what is going on around you. As for what made me learn the further teachings, it was simply that I felt that I had no other choice. Almost every decision I've made since that day was because I felt like I had no other choice than the one that I made."
He too, sighed as he thought about it. The memories of that duel with the Lion were frozen in his mind, it was the moment that marked his beginning on the path towards corruption.
"Have you ever encountered someone who made you question your beliefs and then, because of your questioning them, alter your beliefs? ...other than your father. And then please elaborate on the situation that made you do it, if it has happened."
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 5, 2011 5:04:10 GMT -5
She tilted her head, as this was a train of thought that was a bit deeper than the previous lines of thinking. Nori held her chin for a time, searching the table and his hands as if they had any answers.
"I can say that on more minor things I may have had my mind changed, such as which roads to take to Kyuden Bayushi and what not to eat before sleeping.
...Oh!"
She actually snapped her fingers and pounded her hand on the table slightly as the memory just struck her.
"We keep speaking about her and now of all times I would forget!" She shook her head in slight disbelief.
"Well of course lady Haruka has challenged me before, but then again she seems to view the empire in a light unlike anyone else's. For as long as I can remember, we've always been taught to hold the word of those with status above all others. But when it came time for me to meet and receive my orders from her for the first time, we met alone and the first thing she asked of me was what I thought!
The moment went by so quickly, but the relationship has never changed. She might be the Champion's wife, but she knows the value of listening and heeding the advice of others. I remember her telling me right before we parted ways that I should be more attentive to what anyone says, regardless of their rank in society. Those with more to lose tend to be honest, while those with nothing to lose will not blink an eye as they lie through their teeth. Her wisdom has served me well.
But I do wonder Zeure, why ask such a question.. Has something changed with your heart or mind since you met my lady?"
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 5:24:49 GMT -5
"My beliefs have been changed. But it was by Shoju. He has shown me that even though we fell, we can get back up and become honorable again. And I'm trying real hard to do it."
His glance moved back over to the Jade Petal Tea.
"She did not change my beliefs, she validated them and gave me something to work towards."
His mind was tracing lines around their conversations from the dreams. Oh, the feelings that he had been free to express, the gentle touch between them. The passion that was manifest.
"Who is your greatest enemy?"
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 5, 2011 5:44:41 GMT -5
Nori bit her lip a bit. "Anyone who wishes to harm my charge tends to be my greatest threat. But my personal greatest enemy..." She ran a hand through her hair, letting the strands pass through her fingers. "...I would have to say is the other Shosuro. We are some of the greatest and toughest fighters, but we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. We are each other's greatest enemy.
Haruka-sama actually spoke very highly of Shoju when she did reveal her connection to the man. Would you go into more detail, perhaps on how you met and what he's like?"
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 5:58:46 GMT -5
"I'm glad to hear that she genuinely likes him."
He tilted his head back while he was thinking of how to put it.
"I met him several times in the court of the lord of the shadowlands, but had never really spoken with him. He spearheaded the effort to gain acceptance for the spider as a minor clan in service to the empire. When he was rejected, he said that Daigotsu had no further use for him and discarded him...but I am not sure as the veracity of that."
He leaned forward, intent on his storytelling.
"When he decided to sever all ties to the spider, I went with him because of the idea that we don't have to remain the bad guys, we can be redeemed. Which is when he changed my beliefs that I only had one choice. I fell, and now I'm trying to get back up from that."
He adjusted his weight on his knees.
"Shoju-sama is a complex man. But I think he has the best of intentions. Seeing him argue with Daigotsu Thrakhath cemented that in my mind."
|
|
Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
|
Post by Bayushi Haruka on Dec 5, 2011 6:27:27 GMT -5
The Shosuro seemed curious that he'd given up the game temporarily, but then again the chance to have a relaxed conversation was probably just as rare for him as it was for her.
"I see. I never knew the Snake clan actually severed itself from the Spider so... violently." She seemed to ponder this and take the words to heart.
"We've been seeing the Spider try to infiltrate Rokugan in slightly more subtle ways, but the Snake clan is moving in the open. Needless to say everyone's convinced their venture is an unrealistic dream.
With all due respect, I'm thankful Haruka-sama pulled you aside so that you wouldn't have to bear witness to the cruelty of the empire. And well if all goes well... then hopefully this will all have been an unnecessary detour for you. Hopefully it wasn't too much of a burden for you to have to come to lady Haruka's aid.."
|
|
Zeure
Crane Clan
Crane Clan ? Samurai ? Duelist ? Artisan ? Guardian of Metal ? Unique
Posts: 826
|
Post by Zeure on Dec 5, 2011 7:03:14 GMT -5
"Ah, well, yes, I suppose I'm grateful. I'm still part of the snake clan, though. Apart from it being my idea, and I'm thankful that he went along with it; I have Shoju-sama's permission to be here. He knows where I am, and I've contacted him through magic to make him aware of the situation."
He shifted his weight again.
"It occurs to me that what you said might have been from your perspective rather than Lady Haruka's. If so, thank you for wishing me nothing but good."
I do seem to have a knack for attracting people and making them like me...
He sat there for a moment contemplating their conversation.
"I'm sorry, I got distracted and forgot we were playing a game. But I have not thought of a question....let me see.... So, the war, your lady is on one side, your champion on the other. Who are you backing? Does it even matter to you?"
|
|